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Study at SAC

All schools will encourage their students to research possible courses, attend open days and talk to other students before making their choices. If you, or someone else you know, is looking to go to university in 2011, you'll know that September marks the start of the application process.

SAC – the Scottish Agricultural College – with its unique place in Scotland's higher education system, may well offer exactly what is being looked for. From three campus locations in Aberdeen, Ayr and Edinburgh, SAC offers degrees, awarded by either the University of Edinburgh or Glasgow, and higher national courses in subjects, which reflect the diversity of the land-based industries, rural enterprise, and the environmental agenda.

All SAC's courses are designed in close consultation with the industries they provide future employees to. Partnerships with leading research agencies, and world renowned organisations such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, ensure students learn the most up to date knowledge and skills. The college's own international research and consultancy services provide guest lectures, real-life dissertation topics, action learning case studies, and work experience to the students.

Public interest in climate change, animal welfare, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability, and exciting related career opportunities, have led to lively interest in SAC courses, which all consider how 21st century living should be balanced with the responsible use and protection of natural resources. This is one of SAC's strengths; introducing its students to the wider issues and showing how other subjects relate, interpret and respond to the land-based and rural agenda. Regular field trips, industry presentations and study tours complement lectures and seminars, and where appropriate, lab work (science and environmental courses), and practicals (sport and countryside courses) will be part of the timetable.

The student population at each campus is diverse, with school leavers studying alongside those returning to learning. Students come from all over Scotland and the UK, many following a family tradition of studying with the college. There is also a growing number of students from Europe and further afield including New Zealand, Canada and Tibet. SAC students agree that this mix of backgrounds, aspirations and experiences means they all learn from each other, and they feel better prepared for life beyond college.

The structure of SAC's courses also means that students who already have a HND or Foundation degree are able to enter into year 3 of a related degree. Entry to year 2 of a related degree or HND is also possible with an HNC.

Considerable investment has been made in SAC's physical resources, including the building of its new campus, in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, in Ayr. This will open to students in September 2011.

SAC is a unique institution with a respected history of over 100 years of higher education, an enviable staff: student ratio and a reputation for friendliness. Its graduates' success provides the greatest endorsement however; entering the world of work ready for the challenge, and to make a difference. And students also enjoy their time.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SAC and wouldn't hesitate in recommending SAC to future students.” Sally, graduate in Agriculture.
Open Days are scheduled throughout the UCAS application cycle with details available on the website www.sac.ac.uk/learning. Alternatively, contact the SAC Recruitment team directly 0800 269453 to talk through what is on offer and to request a prospectus.